AliousCrystal Palace’s future striker plans hinge on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s contract negotiations.
According to well-connected former scout Mick Brown, exclusively speaking to Football Insider, the club is exploring backup options in case they can’t agree on a new deal with Mateta.
While Palace ideally wants to retain Mateta, whose current contract runs until 2026, they are prepared to sell him this summer if he doesn’t sign an extension. This would allow them to recoup a fee and invest in a replacement.
Mateta has become a crucial player, particularly since Oliver Glasner’s arrival as manager, featuring in all 20 of their games this season and scoring seven goals.
His strong form extends to the end of last season as well. However, there are concerns about whether Palace is willing to meet Mateta’s wage demands.
If Mateta departs, Eddie Nketiah, a £30 million signing from Arsenal, is expected to become the primary striker.
However, this would leave the squad thin in attacking options, prompting the search for a new striker, likely as a rotational player to provide depth.
Brown emphasizes that while Palace’s priority is to keep Mateta, they are proactively considering alternatives should negotiations fail, potentially opting to sell him rather than risk losing him for free.
Alious
